Private Investigator and Security Guard Licensing Information

Any person or group of people performing investigative or security guard functions in West Virginia are required to apply for licensure, unless one of the exemptions specified by law applies. To determine whether licensing requirements apply, see “Exemptions” under each license type.

Several types of licenses are available, and the requirements are slightly different for each one. Carefully review the information below to determine the correct filing procedure.

To report problems related to either Private Investigators or Security Guards, please use the General Complaint Form.

Eligibility Requirements* for All Private Investigator and Security Guard Licensing